Public Statements

Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Meeting with Canadian Public Safety Minister Toews

Press Release

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with Canadian Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Canada, as part of the Beyond the Border initiative, and also signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) truck cargo pre-inspection pilot project.

"Our countries have made significant progress in implementing the initiatives of the Beyond the Border Action Plan," said Secretary Napolitano. "The implementation of the truck cargo pre-inspection pilot will aim to further enhance the economic and national security of both of our nations."

The CBP truck cargo pre-inspection pilot project provides CBP officers a designated preclearance area in Canada to conduct primary inspection activities for eligible truck traffic and drivers seeking to enter the United States--fulfilling a commitment in the Beyond the Border Action Plan, and expediting legitimate cargo and travelers. The U.S. and Canadian governments will continue to work closely with key stakeholders to solicit input throughout the pilot project to help ensure its success.

During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews discussed other key priority action items of the Beyond the Border Action Plan and upcoming deliverables, including the Entry-Exit pilot, the Integrated Cargo Security Strategy pilots, preclearance negotiations, and efforts to counter violent extremism.

Additional information on the achievements under the Beyond the Border initiative can be found in the first annual Beyond the Border Implementation Report, released by the White House in December 2012.